Teenager converted blank firers into deadly weapons

18 Sep 2026 12:19 PM

A man who converted blank firing weapons into deadly firearms aged just 17 has been convicted following a National Crime Agency investigation.

Zain Hussain, now 19, from Sparkbrook, Birmingham was under surveillance by NCA officers after intelligence suggested he was linked to the purchase of blank firing firearms and making them into viable live firing weapons.

He was seen walking down the Grand Union Canal towpath in Birmingham and officers watched as he entered a wooded area and started to dig a hole in the ground.

Armed officers from the NCA moved in to arrest Hussain, then aged 17, and discovered three viable firearms, ammunition and a silver cylinder used for pressing bullets into cases. A large carving knife was also found nearby, alongside ball bearings often used as an improvised bullet.

The blank firer was found to be converted and matched an item purchased just two days prior. Forensic testing found Hussain's DNA on the weapon. Investigators found Hussain was converting the firearms in the wooded area off the footpath, burying the equipment when not in use.

Each converted pistol could be sold for up to £3,000 on the criminal market.

Hussain was taken into custody and his phone was seized. Messages found showed him discussing 'two Lucys' being sold, referring to three weapons – one at 100% [conversion], one at 90% and the last at 50%.

He also discussed in chats how much he expected to make on each weapon, saying he'll make '10 bags' and describing it as a 'dream'.

Hussain answered no comment to all questions and was charged with possession of a firearm.

He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court and pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial. He was sentenced to four years and 11 months in prison yesterday (17 September).

Rick Mackenzie, from the NCA, said:

"While Zain Hussain's set up was not particularly sophisticated, he was still creating viable deadly weapons and offering them up for sale to criminals. He was boasting of his enterprise at just 17 years old, and had he not been stopped is likely to have only increased his criminality.

"Gun crime has a devastating impact on communities in the UK and the NCA will continue to work to suppress the availability of illegal firearms to criminals and bring those involved in their supply to justice."